Center for Bariatric Surgery

Patient Results

Bennet Kest

At 43, Bennet Kest has a second-lease on life

When Bennett Kest arrived at the Center for Bariatric Surgery at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, he weighed nearly 400 lbs. His eating was out of control and knew he was addicted to food. "I'm no different from an alcoholic or drug addict. I'm a food - aholic," he says. "The only difference is that I can't cut food completely out of my life."

Why Did Bennet Choose St. Vincent charity Hospital?

Bennett first heard about gastric bypass surgery when celebrities such as Carnie Wilson and John Popper (lead singer for Blues Traveler) made their stories known. Bennet's sister sent him an email that led him to the CBS website. What he found interested him enough to look further.

"When I found out that Dr. Schreiber was a pioneer in the field and that SVCH has a whole floor dedicated to the program, I was impressed. I knew this was the place to check out first." When Bennet compared the other leading hospital's bariatric programs to SVCH's program, he felt their programs were not as thorough or complete.

"I felt very comfortable with the program at St. Vincent's Charity Hospital." Bennet enjoyed meeting and working with his patient representative and former patient, Al Swope. "Al was very positive and well educated about the surgery. The meetings I had with him leading up to my surgery were very beneficial and prepared me well for what lay ahead."

Bennet's Life Today

Today, Bennet is able to wear tailored suits. He also feels like he has given himself a gift. "I wanted to take a proactive approach before I had a heart attack or developed diabetes," he remarks. Bennet also feels that his new eating and exercise habits will set a better example of healthy living for his two daughters.